Crime

Ex-Convict Impersonating Soldier Arrested in Akwa Ibom

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 7th, 2024.

Ex-Convict Impersonating Soldier Arrested in Akwa Ibom

By Patrick Odey

A 35-year-old man, Eddiong Anthony Matthew, who was posing as a warrant officer, has been apprehended by the Akwa Ibom State Police.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday at approximately 2 pm when Matthew, dressed partially in military camouflage, was taken into custody. ASP Timfon John, the Public Relations Officer for the police command, announced the arrest in a statement from Uyo on Thursday.

Initial investigations disclosed that Matthew, originating from Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area, had been committing various crimes across the state while wearing a military uniform.

During his arrest, authorities recovered a walkie-talkie, several phones suspected to be stolen, a brown coverall dress, and an RCC ID card from the suspect.

The statement reads, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in its ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal activities, has arrested an ex-convict. On June 5, 2024, around 14:00 hours, our officers on a crime prevention patrol detained Eddiong Anthony Matthew, a 35-year-old from Ikot Ekong Village in Mkpat Enin LGA, who was wearing a partial military uniform.

“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the suspect, an ex-convict, had been using a warrant officer rank to facilitate various criminal activities in the state.

“Recovered items include a walkie-talkie, suspected stolen phones, a brown coverall dress, and an RCC ID card.”

The Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, has reiterated the command’s firm commitment to crime prevention. He stated that following the completion of the investigation, the suspect would be formally charged in court.